Fire Starter
Fire Starter
Rebuilding Or Replacing Starters And Alternators
Problems with staters and alternators can be serious. They can leave you stranded, or leave needed equipment out of service. This handy guide will help you to find the most economical solution to your starter or alternator problems.
Before you consider approaching a starter and alternator rebuilder or supplier, you'll need to gather some information. Since starters and alternators vary wildly from vehicle to vehicle, it helps to know what you're looking for!
At the very minimum, you'll need to know the make, model, year and engine size of your vehicle. A typical example would be a 2002 Dodge Caravan with the 6 cylinder 3.8 litre engine. If the vehicle is an industrial or agricultural machine, you'll also need the name of the engine manufacturer (ie: Deutz) and preferably the model number of the engine.
An even easier method of identification is to record the manufacturer's part number straight from the unit. Sometimes vehicles of a certain make or model have multiple types of starter or alternator, some of which are not interchangeable, so recording your specific unit's part number guarantees a proper match when seeking a replacement. The number is usually stamped on the unit. If there is more than one number, simply record them all. Your rebuilder will recognize the correct number.
Repair or Replace?
Sometimes it is more affordable to have your unit repaired rather than replaced. A minor problem such as worn brushes will render your alternator ineffective, but this problem is relatively cheap to fix. Getting your units tested only takes a few moments, and most rebuilders will not charge you for the test if you plan on having your units rebuilt or replaced there. This is especially handy for older units (50s era tractor starters, for example) for which replacements are unavailable. Starters and alternators can often be rebuilt and returned to you on the same day that you brought them in.
Don't be afraid to ask your rebuilder about the quality of the replacement parts used. While some parts may be cheaper, they are often of substandard quality and will fail quickly. Ask your rebuilder about the quality of replacement parts used on your unit.
Sometimes, the cost of repair exceeds the cost of purchasing a replacement. If this is the case, most ethical rebuilders (such as Sudbury's Herold Supply will say as much.
As with components, the quality of replacement units can vary wildly. Price is usually a fair indicator of quality. For example, if 3 rebuilders quote you $250.00 on a replacement and one quotes you $80.00, you can bet that the $80.00 unit uses poorer quality components.
New vs "New"
The word "new" gets thrown around a lot, but sometimes "new" doesn't really mean new. A true "new" unit will be stamped with the part number of a genuine starter or alternator manufacturer (such as Bosch, Denso, or Magnetti-Marelli). True new units tend to be very expensive.
Often times, people sell factory rebuilds as "new" units. These units are recovered defectve or damaged units rebuilt in a factory and shipped to rebuilders for resale. These units are a more affordable alternative to true new units. Always ask if a unit is a true "new" unit or whether it is a factory rebuild. Also be sure to inquire about any warranties offered. Herold Supply's factory rebuilds carry a two-year warranty, but this may not always be the case elsewhere, so be sure to ask.
Removal and Re-installation
The starters and alternators in vehicles are typically not accessible without the use of a hoist. Few rebuilders have a hoist with which to remove your units from the vehicles, so you'll have to remove it yourself or have it removed by a qualified mechanic with the proper equipment 9and a hoist). If you simply need your unit tested or diagnosed, this can often be done with the unit stilll installed in your vehicle.
About the Author
The author operates Herold Supply, a starter and alternator rebuilder and industrial wholesaler.
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